But he said the continent was afflicted by an export of the “so-called ‘first world’… [the] toxic spiritual rubbish” of materialism.

“In this context, the political colonialism is never finished,” the Pope said.

He said Africa also suffered increasing religious fundamentalism, in the form of religious groups which “act on behalf of God” but “teach intolerance and violence”.

‘Talking shop’

The Pope said evangelisation was “urgent” in Africa – though the Catholic Church is already growing faster there than in any other part of the world, nearly trebling in size to 150 million followers over 30 years.

This will be the second synod of bishops organised at the Vatican to be devoted specifically to the problems of Africa.

The first took place in 1994 at the very moment when the Rwandan genocide was beginning, but turned out to be little more than a talking shop, our correspondent says.

Among the experts invited by the Pope to address the synod – which has only advisory powers – will be the former head of the joint UN/African Union peacekeeping mission in Darfur.

A small number of women from religious orders have also been invited to attend.